↟ Vetrnætr – Winter Nights ↟–one of the most important celebrations in the old heathen calendar.

At today’s full moon the 5th of November, the ancient Germanic Old Norse tradition named Vetrnætr (Winter Nights) occurs. In the Ynglingasaga by Snorri Sturluson, a blót called Winter Nights is mentioned. The Winter Nights Blót is referred as the first blót of Odin, and occurs on this day, three full moons before our Heathen Jul (Yule). This blót marks the beginning of the winter half year, and is one of the most important celebrations in our old heathen calendar.

Winter Nights blót is mainly dedicated to a good year ahead, as well as to the winter gods such as Ullr, Odin and Skaði. Now is the very starting point for the winter half year – the first day of winter. This blót lasts for three days, 5-7th November, starting today: on the night of the full moon.

The dates for when the Germanic people held blóts changed annually according to the phases of the full moon. This year we have a rare occurrence with 13 new moons. The original Yule is always celebrated on the full moon, after the new moon after the Winter Solstice. And Winter Nights is always 3 full moons before Yule. Therefore, Winter Nights this year is November 5th.

Calculation:
Winter Solstice this year is December 21st. First new moon after Winter Solstice: 18th of January. Full moon after the new moon (after Winter Solstice): 1st February (Yule). Count back three moons and that places Vetrnætr on November 5th, and Alvablot on the 5th of December.

Winter Nights and the more famous Alvablot, is two separate blóts, and do not occur at the same time. Alvablot is a private gathering for family and relatives, which occurs on the next full moon in December this year here in Scandinavia.

Honor your ancestors, you owe them everything. Pleasant and honourable Winter Nights ↟↟